by Tonight Mtarfa and Valletta will kick-off the second set of matches of the Assikura Women’s League season at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15. Both sides will come into the match seeking their first points. Here is all you need to know ahead of the fixture.
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Both sides had a difficult start to the league. Mtarfa faced Swieqi United who dealt an opening 7-1 victory over the Blues. However, the Blues will take heart from the goal scored by their signing Laura Echeverri Tobon who made the most of one of the few chances available in the match.
Meanwhile, Valletta’s debut in the league saw the side fall to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Hibernians. Though initially the team frustrated the Paolites with their defensive organisation, the opening goal opened the opportunity for more as Valletta attempted to equal the scoreline. Although Valletta managed to create chances as the match progressed, they could not close the gap in the scoreline.
Considering that Valletta is composed of a lot of ex-Raiders players and considering last season’s one-sided scorelines in favour of Raiders, prediction points toward Valletta being a strong opponent for the Blues. However, Mtarfa have managed to continue their goalscoring record into this season which will buoy the young side as they look toward earning their first points of the campaign.
Words From The Coaches
Noting that both sides have lost their opening matches, Mtarfa’s coach Simon Spiteri was asked about his perspective going into the match, “Valletta are new by name but we all know their origin comes from Raiders, which is a very young and solid team. Winning points from this match is very important for us, although playing against a tactically dominant team in ball possession is not an easy task.”
Probed as to which areas have been focused on in attempt to improve the result as they go into this next fixture, the coach said, “We worked mainly on central midfield and attacking combinations. I have full faith in players and as a team we can achieve a lot.”
Meanwhile, questioned about maintaining Mtarfa’s recent goalscoring streak, the coach said, “Scoring in the last four competitive games was one of our SMART goals. Women’s football is completely different than that of men. There is a huge difference between teams. However, with our resources, our next SMART goal is to reduce the number of goals conceded, while continuing working on the offensive phase.”
Considering the chances created against Hibernians, Valletta’s Denis Guerra was questioned on whether the team will stick to the same approach against Mtarfa, but simply focus on converting the chances. He responded, “We will always play the same type of football, whoever will be our opponent. We try to keep the possession of the ball and control the game.”
Noting Mtarfa’s ability to find the net in recent games, Guerra was questioned about the importance of maintaining focus to avoid conceding a goal, even if the result is going their way. Guerra was adamant, “Staying focused for the entire match is crucial in any position of the pitch. It’s an exercise that starts from the training sessions to avoid silly mistakes.”
The match will be played at the Centenary Stadium at 20:15. Tickets may be purchased at the door for 5.00 Euro.
Lead Images: Dodo’s Photography / Valletta FC Women
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